Bird question?

[Gardenfly]

Hello, i have been seeing this bird on the river behind my place this year and i was curious to what is was... It kinda looks like a blue jay with a longer beak and dives in the water after fish. anybody have a idea on what it is?

[BowDad]

My guess is that you are watching a Belted Kingfisher. They appear from time to time at my cottage and are a real joy to watch.

http://www.iwrc-online.org/kids/facts/Birds/images/BeltedKingfisher.jpg

[Gardenfly]

Yes that is it!!! thanks for your help....... what is the name of the web site you got the picture off? i see so many different types of birds on the river it would be nice to get a book to reference to once in a while.
mike

[BowDad]

I’ve never been to that site before, I just grabbed that pic off the web after doing a search for Kingfishers. If you are looking for a good reference book, Splitshot recommended “The Sibley Guide to Birds” put out by the National Audubon Society, and I agree that it’s one of the best. Have fun!